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New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:00 am
by nanacat
Putting last Saturday in the rear view mirror and looking ahead to Friday night. There are no gimmees in the playoffs. Won an ugly one, but the W is the key! Time to refocus and bring forth the best effort, game plan, and attitude for the next game. The DSUs are out, the Montana teams are still in and possibly headed towards a historical rematch. But USD and SFA have other ideas I'm sure! One game at a time.
I believe in this team, the coaches, and the fans. Looking forward to the Monday interviews. Guessing it's been a soul searching weekend and the team is laser focused on a big win on Friday. GO CATS!!
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
by catscat
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:26 am
by SparkCat
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
I am really wondering if a number of players were not feeling well for the Yale game.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:38 am
by nanacat
SparkCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:26 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
I am really wondering if a number of players were not feeling well for the Yale game.
The more I've thought about it and reflected on the weird vibe all game, you may be correct. Not an excuse necessarily, but it would explain the lack of fire and intensity.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
by kwcat
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:52 am
by kwcat
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:38 am
SparkCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:26 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
I am really wondering if a number of players were not feeling well for the Yale game.
The more I've thought about it and reflected on the weird vibe all game, you may be correct. Not an excuse necessarily, but it would explain the lack of fire and intensity.
What’s the likelihood that just Daily was sick?
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:03 am
by nanacat
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:52 am
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:38 am
SparkCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:26 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
I am really wondering if a number of players were not feeling well for the Yale game.
The more I've thought about it and reflected on the weird vibe all game, you may be correct. Not an excuse necessarily, but it would explain the lack of fire and intensity.
What’s the likelihood that just Daily was sick?
Slim to none.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:05 am
by kwcat
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:03 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:52 am
nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:38 am
SparkCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:26 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
I am really wondering if a number of players were not feeling well for the Yale game.
The more I've thought about it and reflected on the weird vibe all game, you may be correct. Not an excuse necessarily, but it would explain the lack of fire and intensity.
What’s the likelihood that just Daily was sick?
Slim to none.
Exactly. Not trying to make excuses for anyone, but the chemistry was definitely way off.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:14 am
by catscat
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
That's true and understandable, but often it would be something like Crews Eiden Eckert and Brott instead of Parsons, etc. Other mix and marches as well. I noticed Sharbono was in when Marsh had been.
Since Daily was sick, maybe others weren't 100% as well as stated.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:21 am
by kwcat
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:14 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
That's true and understandable, but often it would be something like Crews Eiden Eckert and Brott instead of Parsons, etc. Other mix and marches as well. I noticed Sharbono was in when Marsh had been.
Since Daily was sick, maybe others weren't 100% as well as stated.
Also, Vigen had previously mentioned he wanted to see a 10 man rotation more frequently than the 8 man Howe had been using.
So maybe a combination of things going on. Maybe try to mix it up to confuse tales offensive line some more and get production stopping the run.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:30 am
by nanacat
So was there anything on the film from last Saturday that SFA can use against the Cats? I was at the game so didn't hear the play by play, which usually gives my football ignorance a bit more perspective on what's happening with line ups and stuff. It was such an unusual game, and if health was a factor, along with some injuries, that's not really good for game planning I wouldn't think. Weaknesses Saturday haven't been weaknesses in other games right?
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:30 am
by Cledus
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:21 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:14 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
That's true and understandable, but often it would be something like Crews Eiden Eckert and Brott instead of Parsons, etc. Other mix and marches as well. I noticed Sharbono was in when Marsh had been.
Since Daily was sick, maybe others weren't 100% as well as stated.
Also, Vigen had previously mentioned he wanted to see a 10 man rotation more frequently than the 8 man Howe had been using.
So maybe a combination of things going on. Maybe try to mix it up to confuse tales offensive line some more and get production stopping the run.
The playoffs seem like a bad time to mix up the formula that had been previously working beautifully, if that's what was going on.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
by catscat
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:08 am
by kwcat
Cledus wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:30 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:21 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:14 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
That's true and understandable, but often it would be something like Crews Eiden Eckert and Brott instead of Parsons, etc. Other mix and marches as well. I noticed Sharbono was in when Marsh had been.
Since Daily was sick, maybe others weren't 100% as well as stated.
Also, Vigen had previously mentioned he wanted to see a 10 man rotation more frequently than the 8 man Howe had been using.
So maybe a combination of things going on. Maybe try to mix it up to confuse tales offensive line some more and get production stopping the run.
The playoffs seem like a bad time to mix up the formula that had been previously working beautifully, if that's what was going on.
It is a rotation that they used a little earlier in the year as well. Howe got away from it.
It is also a long season and guys get banged up a little bit more than we realize, which is the point of having depth
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:24 am
by technoCat
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Grebe definitely needs to be able to come out. He's definitely fighting through some injuries and its showed in his effectiveness. Taylor has been playing like a man possessed but looked like he was getting worn down towards the end of the game. They need to mix things up because right now teams know how to complete third and long against us and we need to get back to getting off the field.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:50 am
by ZebraCat
technoCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:24 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Grebe definitely needs to be able to come out. He's definitely fighting through some injuries and its showed in his effectiveness. Taylor has been playing like a man possessed but looked like he was getting worn down towards the end of the game. They need to mix things up because right now teams know how to complete third and long against us and we need to get back to getting off the field.
For the first time in a long time, we actually ran a Dime package a few plays against Yale. Grebe came off and we had Taylor + 4 safeties on the field. Against SFA, I'd imagine that will happen even more since they pass a lot. I noticed it on the first drive of the game and late in the game when Yale had to pass. Taki came in for Grebe, and Dowler rolled down into the box with Gray. With the LB depth taking a hit, this would be a good way to give those guys some breathers. Dowler basically becomes the 2nd LB but is much better in coverage.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2025 11:58 am
by tetoncat
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:14 am
kwcat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:50 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:22 am
I believe that with its one game at a time philosophy (the NEXT game), the team was quickly beyond last week's game/antics other than analyzing what can be improved.
But, I can look back. I don't know if anyone else noticed or not, but there were multiple player combinations on our D-line beyond what has been normal player groupings. Thoughts as to why? And what might we see there in the future - more of the same? Return to past consistent player combinations?
We changed up our third down D line package primarily because Yale was running the ball on third down rather than obvious passing
That's true and understandable, but often it would be something like Crews Eiden Eckert and Brott instead of Parsons, etc. Other mix and marches as well. I noticed Sharbono was in when Marsh had been.
Since Daily was sick, maybe others weren't 100% as well as stated.
Parsons went off the field twice in Griz game. Maybe not 100% and not as effective in that package. Wasn't there another young guy that got his 4 games in and not with playoffs can play again and still redshirt?
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2025 5:14 am
by RyeCat
technoCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:24 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Grebe definitely needs to be able to come out. He's definitely fighting through some injuries and its showed in his effectiveness. Taylor has been playing like a man possessed but looked like he was getting worn down towards the end of the game. They need to mix things up because right now teams know how to complete third and long against us and we need to get back to getting off the field.
Grebe ended up covering Yale’s best WR on several plays and he did his best but they were targeting that over and over. Vlidak is an incredibly accurate passer and has fast talented receivers. We’ll need our third and long packages to be quick, not heavy.
I think we match up a lot better with SFA than Yale. If we can pressure Vlidak and limit big plays similar to Ah Yat, Wortham and the Griz. Vlidak rarely runs. They’ve got a serviceable RB to keep you honest but they really want long chunk plays with their receivers. The SFA and ACU game was a track meet on 55 degree sunny day with no wind in front of 8500 mostly friendly fans. There was late interception by SFA which pushed the game their way. Otherwise, it came down to whoever had the ball last. Not great defense on either side of the ball with over 900 yards of total offense between the two teams. ACU punted 4 times and SFA 5. SFA also had 10 penalties for 90 plus yards.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2025 7:28 am
by VimSince03
RyeCat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 09, 2025 5:14 am
technoCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:24 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Grebe definitely needs to be able to come out. He's definitely fighting through some injuries and its showed in his effectiveness. Taylor has been playing like a man possessed but looked like he was getting worn down towards the end of the game. They need to mix things up because right now teams know how to complete third and long against us and we need to get back to getting off the field.
Grebe ended up covering Yale’s best WR on several plays and he did his best but they were targeting that over and over. Vlidak is an incredibly accurate passer and has fast talented receivers. We’ll need our third and long packages to be quick, not heavy.
I think we match up a lot better with SFA than Yale. If we can pressure Vlidak and limit big plays similar to Ah Yat, Wortham and the Griz. Vlidak rarely runs. They’ve got a serviceable RB to keep you honest but they really want long chunk plays with their receivers. The SFA and ACU game was a track meet on 55 degree sunny day with no wind in front of 8500 mostly friendly fans. There was late interception by SFA which pushed the game their way. Otherwise, it came down to whoever had the ball last. Not great defense on either side of the ball with over 900 yards of total offense between the two teams. ACU punted 4 times and SFA 5. SFA also had 10 penalties for 90 plus yards.
Vidlak is a lot like Jordan Cooke with how he handles pressure. He's going to get the ball out fast and when he feels pressure he'll throw it up off his backfoot to one of those talented receivers like #4. Actually though SFA was very similar to Idaho State offensively if that helps anyone for a comparison. Defensively they are better than ISU but they're run defense is more of a function of their air raid conference and SFA getting up on teams that abandon the run early than them being stout. They are the #1 run defense in the FCS but they just gave up 6.8 yards per carry and 211 to ACU. But we need to get the passing game back on track if we want to win this one in my opinion.
Re: New week, new game
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2025 8:47 am
by RyeCat
VimSince03 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 09, 2025 7:28 am
RyeCat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 09, 2025 5:14 am
technoCat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 10:24 am
catscat wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:40 am
I think with Daily out, we were less effective than when he's there. Also, at one point, Ahrens was injured on the field. Don't know if he came back or not, but don't remember seeing him again. He might have played, but I don't remember Krahe out there either. Grebe and Taylor do well, but maybe better with a break now and then. Hope everyone is healthy the rest of the way.
Grebe definitely needs to be able to come out. He's definitely fighting through some injuries and its showed in his effectiveness. Taylor has been playing like a man possessed but looked like he was getting worn down towards the end of the game. They need to mix things up because right now teams know how to complete third and long against us and we need to get back to getting off the field.
Grebe ended up covering Yale’s best WR on several plays and he did his best but they were targeting that over and over. Vlidak is an incredibly accurate passer and has fast talented receivers. We’ll need our third and long packages to be quick, not heavy.
I think we match up a lot better with SFA than Yale. If we can pressure Vlidak and limit big plays similar to Ah Yat, Wortham and the Griz. Vlidak rarely runs. They’ve got a serviceable RB to keep you honest but they really want long chunk plays with their receivers. The SFA and ACU game was a track meet on 55 degree sunny day with no wind in front of 8500 mostly friendly fans. There was late interception by SFA which pushed the game their way. Otherwise, it came down to whoever had the ball last. Not great defense on either side of the ball with over 900 yards of total offense between the two teams. ACU punted 4 times and SFA 5. SFA also had 10 penalties for 90 plus yards.
Vidlak is a lot like Jordan Cooke with how he handles pressure. He's going to get the ball out fast and when he feels pressure he'll throw it up off his backfoot to one of those talented receivers like #4. Actually though SFA was very similar to Idaho State offensively if that helps anyone for a comparison. Defensively they are better than ISU but they're run defense is more of a function of their air raid conference and SFA getting up on teams that abandon the run early than them being stout. They are the #1 run defense in the FCS but they just gave up 6.8 yards per carry and 211 to ACU. But we need to get the passing game back on track if we want to win this one in my opinion.
While not the leading rusher, ACU’s QB ran the most times against SFA which would support your theory about needing our passing game to win. Leading rusher had 100 yards but a 66 yard long. QB had 72 on 13 carries (long of 17) which is probably a better measure of overall productivity.